These observations document past conditions at a small and variable scale. They are not to be confused with an avalanche forecast. They come from a variety of sources. We can only vouch for the quality of those produced by the SAC forecasters and professional observers.
Date and time of observation or avalanche occurrence Location Media Observation made by
12/17/2021 - 14:00

Snowpack Observation
Johnson Canyon

Donner Summit Area
10mm Surface Hoar on N-NE-E at 6,900' 3-4mm SH at 6,300' Guide

West Wind Collecti
12/17/2021 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
North Side of Kingsbury Grade

East Shore Area
Public
12/17/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
Recent NE wind texture Snowpit tests on a 2.3m snowpack Signs of settlement in the new snow. Cornice pieces dropped onto a wind-loaded test slope did not trigger cracking or other signs of instability. Forecaster
12/17/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Tram Ridge

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
1-2mm Surface Hoar Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
12/17/2021 - 09:00

Snowpack Observation
Incline Peak

Mount Rose Area
Public
12/16/2021 - 14:30

Snowpack Observation
SE Slide Path on Waterhouse Peak

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Public
12/16/2021 - 14:02

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Ridge

Donner Summit Area
Public
12/16/2021 - 13:23

Snowpack Observation
Frog Lake area

Carson Pass Area
Wind features present at the trailhead. Trailhead two weeks ago. Small cornice development. (before ski cut). Cornice after ski cut. Wind effected snow below tree line. Pit profile. Compressible snow within Nov. 9th layer. Clean planar results on dense layer within the top 20cm. Professional Observer
12/16/2021 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Poulsen's Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Sastrugi on S facing ridgeline from SW wind Small natural wind slab/cornice break on NE aspect at summit of Poulsen's peak Roller balls on W aspect below 7000'. Mostly skier triggered, some natural coming off of exposed rock. Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
12/16/2021 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Hidden Peak

West Shore Area
Small cracking in wind loaded terrain Wind scoured snow near ridgelines Small 3-4'' wind slab failures Small wind features forming on ridgelines Forecaster
12/16/2021 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
Shirley Canyon

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Public
12/16/2021 - 02:26

Avalanche Observation
Above Snow Lake

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Public
12/15/2021 - 14:00

Snowpack Observation
Castle Valley Meadow

Donner Summit Area
Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
12/15/2021 - 13:00

Avalanche Observation
Castle / Andesite

Donner Summit Area
Small natural wind slab avalanche near Castle Peak Public
12/15/2021 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Castle peak

Donner Summit Area
Public

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